1. |
- Al-Essawe, Essraa M, et al.
(författare)
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Seminal plasma influences the fertilizing potential of cryopreserved stallion sperm
- 2018
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 115, s. 99-107
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Seminal plasma (SP) contains proteins that may influence cryosurvival and prevent capacitation-like changes due to freezing and thawing. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of adding pooled SP from "good" (GF) or "bad" (BF) freezer stallions on sperm cells' fertilizing ability. "Good freezers" refers to stallions that usually produce ejaculates which can withstand cryopreservation, whilst "bad freezer" stallions produce ejaculates which cannot tolerate the freezing process. A heterologous zona binding assay with in vitro matured bovine oocytes was used to assess the binding ability of equine sperm cells as a possible alternative to artificial insemination trials. The effect of adding SP i) prior to cryopreservation; ii) after thawing of sperm cells selected by single layer centrifugation (SLC); iii) to capacitation medium, was evaluated. Adding SP from GE stallions prior to cryopreservation reduced the mean number of sperm cells bound to the zona pellucida (ZP) compared to control (P = 0.0003), SP-free sperm cells and group received SP from BF stallions (P < 0.0001 for both). After thawing SLC-selected sperm cells treated with 5% SP showed a decrease in binding ability compared with SP-free sperm cells (P < 0.0001). The binding affinity of sperm cells was higher in the group treated with SP from GF than with SP from BF stallions (P < 0.05). Prolonged exposure to SP impaired the ability of stallion sperm cells to undergo capacitation and bind to ZP, regardless of the source of SP (P < 0.0001). The response of equine sperm cells to SP is influenced by the ability of the sperm cells to withstand cryopreservation and is affected by the timing of exposure and the origin of SP. Customization of the protocol for individual stallions is recommended to optimize the effect. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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2. |
- Al-Makhzoomi, A., et al.
(författare)
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Sperm morphology and fertility of progeny-tested AI dairy bulls in Sweden
- 2008
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 70:4, s. 682-691
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Use of bull semen with high levels of sperm abnormalities, reflecting genital dysfunction, is not recommended for artificial insemination (AI) since it would most likely lead to subfertility. Sperm quality, including sperm morphology, may deteriorate with increasing age of the bull thus becoming a source of concern when using older, progeny-tested AI bull sires. Although a relationship between sperm morphology and fertility after AI in progeny-tested bull sires has been reported, it is yet unclear which sperm abnormalities are most critical. This constituted the core aim of a 22-month long retrospective study in proven (aged 60-84 months at the start of the study) AI sires of the Swedish Red (SR, n = 8) and Swedish Holstein (SLB, n = 4) breeds where their semen (107 freezing batches in total, built by a single ejaculate (n = 3) or pooling two consecutive ejaculates (n = 104) collected at 1-3 months interval), were subjected to detailed morphological examinations on wet- and dry, stained smears. Attention was paid to between- and within-bull variations with regard to presence and level of sperm abnormalities. Sperm morphology differed significantly between sires and ejaculates, with 6/12 sires having ejaculates containing greater than 10% of morphologically deviating sperm head shapes, a commonly used threshold for young At bulls in Sweden. However, with the exception of pear-shaped or narrow-at-the-base anomalies, the mean values for individual defects were always within the limits expected for a normal bull sire, and were therefore considered acceptable. The percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was positively related to fertility, whose output differed significantly among bulls. Among sperm abnormalities, the proportion of morphologically deviating sperm head shapes were negatively correlated with fertility, pear-shaped sperm heads in particular. In conclusion, the relationship between sperm morphology and fertility after AI calls for frequent (2-3 months interval) detailed assessments of sperm morphology in AI stud bull sires. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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3. |
- Alminana, C, et al.
(författare)
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Adjustments in IVF system for individual boars: Value of additives and time of sperm-oocyte co-incubation
- 2005
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 64:8, s. 1783-1796
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) in pigs is still considered sub-optimal, due to the variable occurrence of polyspermy, variability mainly related to sperm differences. The present study was conducted in an attempt to increase the efficiency of the in vitro production of porcine embryos by optimizing the in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol for individual males, with regard to the composition of the fertilization medium (experiments 1 and 2) and the length of gamete co-incubation time (experiment 3). A total of 5943 COCs were in vitro matured (IVM) and inseminated with frozen-thawed spermatozoa froth 2 boars (A and B). Experiment 1 determined the effect of additives caffeine (2 mM), hyaluronic acid (HA; [0.5 mg/mL]) and adenosine (10 mu M), alone or in combination, to the IVF-medium during sperm-oocyte co-incubation. Experiment 2 tested the addition of various HA (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/ml) and adenosine (0, 10, 20 and 40 mu M) concentrations in the fertilization medium; while experiment 3 investigated the effect of two periods of sperm-oocyte co-incubation (10 thin or 6h). In the case of 10 min sperm-oocyte co-incubation, oocytes with attaching spermatozoa were further cultured in IVF-medium containing no spermatozoa until the 6 h of insemination was completed. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in embryo culture medium for 1215 h to assess fertilization parameters. In experiment 1, only caffeine significantly influenced the outcome of fertilization, albeit being a clearly boar-dependent effect. In experiment 2, similar boar differences were seen for HA supplementation while presence of exogenous adenosine did not influence fertilization parameters in either boar. The results of experiment 3 demonstrated that a short co-incubation time significantly (P less than 0.001) increased penetration rate and mean number of spermatozoa per oocyte (74.9 +/- 3.9% versus 62.7 +/- 3.9% and 1.5 +/- 3.2 versus 1.3 +/- 3.5 for 10 min or 6 h, respectively), but reduced monospermy (P less than 0.001, 57.9 +/- 2.5% versus 70.0 +/- 2.8%) when boar A was used. However, such effects were not seen with boar B, in which sperm-oocyte co-incubation time did not affect the efficiency of fertilization. In view of the present results, a preliminary screening for each individual male is required to select optimal conditions for IVF. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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4. |
- Alvarez-Rodriguez, Manuel, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of colloid (Androcoll-Bear, Percoll, and PureSperm) selection on the freezability of brown bear (Ursus arctos) sperm
- 2016
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 85:6, s. 1097-1105
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The development of a species-specific conservation protocol that involves artificial insemination with frozen semen needs to validate an effective methodology for freezing semen. Colloid centrifugation has been suggested and widely applied as an effective tool for selecting animal spermatozoa for artificial breeding. The objective of the present study was to compare different methods of centrifugation, single layer using Androcoll-Bear and Percoll and double layer using PureSperm 100 (in two different discontinuous gradients 40%-80% and 45%-90%), for the selection of fresh brown bear sperm samples. In the before freezing group, all selected samples showed a higher progressive motility and viability (except Percoll for motility 43.0 +/- 5.3 [P < 0.051); all colloids except PureSperm 45/90% rendered samples with fewer damaged acrosomes. In the after thawing group, all tested centrifugation colloids showed a good capacity to decrease the number of damaged acrosomes. Furthermore, PureSperm treatment (45/90%) resulted in an increase in apoptotic-like changes not only immediately after thawing but also after the incubation test, leading us to suggest that this gradient could induce some kind of deleterious effects on the sperm samples. On the other hand, PureSperm treatment (40/80%) yielded a quality preservation capacity similar to Androcoll-Bear in number of damaged acrosomes, different relative to the control (control, 5.3 +/- 0.6; PureSperm 80, 2.0 +/- 0.3; Androcoll, 2.1 +/- 0.9 [P < 0.051) but a decrease in the number of viable spermatozoa recovered after thawing relative to the control (control, 21.2 +/- 3.1; PureSperm 80, 13.7 +/- 2.7 [P < 0.051). In conclusion, Androcoll-Bear constitutes a useful tool for handling of brown bear ejaculates owing to its simple handling and procedure with a reliable sperm selection and freezability. This colloid yielded an improvement in several sperm parameters in brown bear frozen-thawed semen; the selected spermatozoa of fresh samples with this colloid showed a better resistance to freezing compared with the control sample not only for motility but also for viability. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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5. |
- Alvarez-Rodriguez, Manuel, et al.
(författare)
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Exosomes in specific fractions of the boar ejaculate contain CD44: A marker for epididymosomes?
- 2019
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 140, s. 143-152
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Seminal plasma (SP) is a complex fluid containing proteins, peptides, enzymes, hormones as well as extracellular vesicles (EVs). The SP interacts with spermatozoa and the inner cell lining of the female genital tract, adsorbing proteins and exosomes that modulate sperm functions and female immune responsiveness. In the present study, boar sperm-free SP was studied using flow cytometry (FC) after membrane tetraspanins (CD9, CD63 and CD81) and membrane receptor CD44 marking of non-enriched (whole SP) or gradient fractions enriched through two-step discontinuous KBr-density-gradient ultracentrifugation, in whole ejaculate or in selected ejaculate fractions. The results, evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, confirmed the presence of exosomes in all fractions of the pig SP. Noteworthy, these pig SP-exosomes were CD44-bearing when analysed by FC, with bands detected by western blotting (WB) at the expected 85 kD size. The two-step discontinuous KBr-density-gradient ultracentrifugation enriched the population of exosomes in two specific gradient fractions, indicating exosomes (either prostasomes or epididymosomes) could be separated from low-density lipoprotein (LDL) but they co-sediment with the high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-bearing fraction. The findings pave for the selective isolation of exosomes in functional studies of their function when interacting with spermatozoa, the oocyte and/or the female genitalia, including hyaluronan-CD44 interplay. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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6. |
- Alvarez-Rodriguez, Manuel, et al.
(författare)
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Quality of frozen-thawed semen in brown bear is not affected by timing of glycerol addition.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 75:8, s. 1561-1565
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have tested several freezing protocols for brown bear semen, modifying the time when glycerol was added (before and after cooling to 5 °C). No differences were found among protocols, indicating a good tolerance of brown bear semen to glycerol. This finding indicates that freezing protocols for brown bear semen could be modified to fit practical solutions which would facilitate preparation of the seminal samples in the field with the addition of glycerol at ambient temperature.
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7. |
- Alvarez-Rodríguez, Manuel, et al.
(författare)
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The addition of heat shock protein HSPA8 to cryoprotective media improves the survival of brown bear (Ursus arctos) spermatozoa during chilling and after cryopreservation.
- 2013
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 79:3, s. 541-550
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Cantabrian brown bear survives as a small remnant population in northern Spain and semen cryopreservation for future artificial insemination is one of the measures being implemented for conservation of this species. As part of this program we investigated the value of adding heat shock protein A8 (HSPA8) to media (N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid-TRIS-fructose with 20% egg yolk) used for chilling and cryopreserving the spermatozoa. Semen samples from eight brown bears were obtained by electroejaculation during the breeding season. In experiment 1, we tested three concentrations of HSPA8 (0.5, 1, and 5 μg/mL) to determine whether sperm motility (computer assisted sperm analysis system) and sperm survival could be improved during refrigeration (5 °C) up to 48 hours. Results showed that sperm viability (test with propidium iodide) was improved by the addition of 0.5 and 5 μg/mL HSPA8. In experiment 2, HSPA8 was added to the cryopreservation media (6% final glycerol concentration) before the freezing process. Though there were no differences in sperm viability immediately after thawing (analyses to 0 hours), plasma membrane permeability (test with YO-PRO-1) was significantly lower by the presence of HSPA8 (1 μg/mL) and acrosomal damage (test with peanut agglutinin-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate) was reduced by higher concentrations of HSPA8 (1 and 5 μg/mL) (analyses after thermal stress test incubating over 2 hours to 37 °C). In experiment 3, results of a simple progression test carried out through artificial mucus (hyaluronic acid 4 mg/mL) showed a significant decrease in the total number of sperm able to swim a distance of 0.5 to 2 cm through a capillary tube for all HSPA8-based extenders. Nevertheless, the distance traveled by the vanguard spermatozoa, which represent a highly motile subpopulation, was restored by the inclusion of 1 and 5 μg/mL HSPA8 in the cryopreservation media. Thus, the HSPA8 addition to extender improves the quality of brown bear (Ursus arctos) sperm during chilling (viability) and after cryopreservation (number of sperm with damaged acrosomes and "apoptotic-like" changes).
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8. |
- Axner, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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Collection of field reproductive data from carcasses of the female Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)
- 2013
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 80, s. 839-849
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Information about reproductive physiology in the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) would generate knowledge that could be useful in the management of the Swedish lynx population based on the knowledge about their reproductive potential and population development. Age-related differences in ovulation and implantation rates would affect the reproductive output and the development of the population. The aims of this study were to evaluate a protocol for collection of reproductive data from carcasses by comparisons with published field data and to generate data about reproduction in the Swedish lynx. Reproductive organs from 120 females that were harvested between March 1 and April 9 from 2009 to 2011 were collected and evaluated macroscopically for placental scars. Females had their first estrus as yearlings but did not have their first litter until the next season. Pregnancy rates were lower in 2-year-old females than in females aged 3 to 7 years but did not differ significantly from females aged 8 to 13 years (54.5%, 95.6%, and 75.0%, respectively). CL from the present season were morphologically distinctly different from luteal bodies from previous cycles (LBPC). All females >= 3 years had macroscopically visible LBPC, whereas only 67% of 22 to 23 months old females had one to three LBPC and no females <1 year of age had LBPC. Females aged 34 to 35 months had up to eight LPBC, whereas the highest number of LBPC counted in females >= 3 years of age was 11. These data would be in agreement with only one estrus per season and LBPC from at least three previous reproductive seasons in older females. The number of LBPC was significantly correlated with the weight of the ovaries r(s) = 0.648, P < 0.001) and the age of the animals (r(s) = 0.572, P < 0.001). Uterine weight differed significantly with the stage of the reproductive cycle and was highest for mature females in the luteal phase of the cycle. The estrous period, defined as occurrence of ovarian follicles lasted from March 5 to April 1 in this material. In conclusion, this study confirms that useful information about lynx reproduction can be collected from reproductive organs retrieved after the death of the animals. Continuous monitoring of lynx reproductive organs would therefore make a valuable contribution to collection of field data, gathering information that can be useful for the management of lynx populations and potentially for the lynx as an indicator of environmental disturbances. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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9. |
- Axner, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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Concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone in the domestic cat. Relation with spay or neuter status and serum estradiol
- 2015
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 83, s. 817-821
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Female cats with unknown history can be diagnosed as spayed or intact with a GnRH-stimulation test or an LH test independent of the stage in the estrous cycle. However, although most females are correctly diagnosed with the LH test, the sensitivity and specificity are not 100%. The GnRH-stimulation test, although reliable, requires an injection of buserelin 2 hours before the blood sample is collected. Granulosa cells are the only cell type that produces anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in females, whereas Sertoli cells produce AMH in males. Anti-Mullerian hormone has been linked to spay status in dogs and cats and to ovarian and testicular pathology and fertility in different species. Our aim was to evaluate serum AMH concentrations in spayed female cats and in intact female cats of known age and reproductive stage (inactive ovaries or luteal phase). In addition, our aim was to compare serum AMH concentrations in intact and neutered male cats. We analyzed serum AMH concentrations in 15 spayed and 16 intact females and in 15 intact and 12 neutered male cats. Serum AMH was below the lowest standard point (<0.14 ng/mL) in all spayed females and neutered males, ranged between 1.3 and 19.0 ng/mL in the intact females and between 4.8 and 813 ng/mL in intact males. Thus, the AMH test had 100% sensitivity and specificity to diagnose the presence or absence of ovaries and testes in this study. In addition, in contrast to serum estradiol, serum AMH was not affected by buserelin stimulation (P = 0.459). Serum AMH was not correlated with serum estradiol before (r(s) = -0.188, P = 0.519) or after (r(s) = 0.335, P = 0.242) buserelin stimulation in the intact females. Four 6-month-old intact cats (two females and two males) had the highest AMH concentrations which in the females might represent a prepubertal peak previously described in other species and in males is likely due to high concentrations before puberty. In conclusion, we found that the AMH Gen II ELISA is reliable for diagnosing spay and neuter status of cats and that the domestic cat might be an interesting model for studies on AMH dynamics. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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10. |
- Axner, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) female tubular reproductive organs in relation to ovarian structures
- 2015
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 84, s. 710-715
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although monitoring wild animals in the field is essential for estimations of population size and development, there are pitfalls associated with field monitoring. In addition, some detailed data about reproductive physiology can be difficult to obtain in wild live animals. Studying reproductive organs from the Eurasian lynx killed at hunting or found dead could be used as a valuable addition to other field data. We evaluated reproductive organs from 39 Eurasian lynx females (Lynx lynx) killed in Sweden during the hunting seasons in 2009, 2010, and 2011. According to notes on ovarian structures, the animals were categorized as being in one of four different reproductive stages: juvenile (n = 10), follicular stage (n = 8), luteal stage (n = 11), and anestrus (n = 10). Corpora lutea were classified as fresh CL from the present season or as luteal bodies from previous cycles. Microscopic evaluations were blindly coded while the outer measurements of the vagina and uterus were taken at the time of organ retrieval. The width of the endometrium, myometrium, outer width of the uterine horns, and the diameter of the vagina differed significantly with the reproductive stage (P < 0.001) and were largest in the follicular and luteal phases. The number of endometrial glands evaluated blindly coded on a subjective scale was significantly associated with the reproductive stage (P < 0.0001) and was significantly higher in the luteal phase than that in any other reproductive stages (P < 0.05). Cornification of the vaginal epithelium was only observed in females in the follicular stage or in females with signs of a recent ovulation. In conclusion, both macroscopic and histologic measurements are useful for a correct classification of the reproductive stage when evaluating reproductive organs in the Eurasian lynx killed during the hunting season. Routine evaluation of reproductive organs has a potential to be a useful additional tool to field studies of live lynx to monitor their reproduction. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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11. |
- Ballester, J., et al.
(författare)
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Post-thaw viability of bull AI-doses with low-sperm numbers
- 2007
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 68:6, s. 934-943
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Use of AI-doses containing low-sperm numbers are increasingly been used to optimise use of elite bulls as well as to accommodate an eventual wider application of sex-sorted semen. Since spermatozoa might, however, suffer from high extension rates, thus compromising fertility, this study evaluated the post-thaw sperm quality of semen from commercial progeny-tested, high-ranked AI-sires whose semen was within acceptable limits of normality, frozen in a split-design to 15 (control, 15M) or 2 x 106 total spermatozoa (treatment, 2M) per straw. Assessment post-thaw included computer-evaluated sperm motility (CASA), membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI), membrane stability (Annexin-V/Pl), acrosome integrity (Carboxy-SNARF-1/PI/ FITC-PSA), and chromatin integrity (AO of in situ acid-induced DNA denaturation). High extension did not affect the proportions of linearly motile spermatozoa, of membrane integrity or stability nor chromatin integrity, immediately post-thaw. However, high extension clearly affected linear sperm motility following incubation at 38 degrees C for 30 min, sperm viability when assessed by SNARF and, particularly, acrosome integrity of the otherwise viable spermatozoa. Individual sire variation was evident. Fertility was preliminarily evaluated for one of the less affected bulls in a blind field trial. A total of 109 dairy cows were randomly inseminated with 15M or 2M-straws without differences in pregnancy rate between them (47% versus 43%). This similarity in fertility rates, confirmed the in vitro methods used were appropriate for identifying cryosurvival and further suggested the site of sperm deposition was not crucial for the fertility of low-sperm AI-numbers for this particular sire. However, the inter-bull variation seen calls for caution when cryopreserving low concentrations of bull spermatozoa with conventional freezing protocols. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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12. |
- Barranco, Isabel, et al.
(författare)
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Levels of activity of superoxide dismutase in seminal plasma do not predict fertility of pig AI-semen doses
- 2019
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 140, s. 18-24
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a major antioxidant enzyme in boar seminal plasma (SP). This study evaluated how SP-SOD affected sperm attributes when semen of boars of various breeds, included in commercial artificial insemination (Al)-programs, was extended and liquid-stored at 17 degrees C for AI; as well as their in vivo fertility (farrowing rate and litter size of 10,952 AI-sows). SP-SOD-activity was assessed in 311 ejaculates (100 boars) while sperm motility (by CASA), viability and intracellular H2O2 generation in viable spermatozoa (by flow cytometry) were measured at 0 and 72 h of liquid storage. SP-SOD activity was not affected by breed but differed (P amp;lt; 0.001) between boars (n = 50), ranging from 1.16 +/- 0.11 to 7.02 +/- 0.75 IU/mL. Semen Al-doses (n =44) hierarchically grouped (P amp;lt; 0.001) with low SP-SOD activity showed lower (P amp;lt; 0.05) sperm motility and intracellular H2O2 at 72 h of liquid storage. Fertility did not differ between AI-boars (n = 39) hierarchically grouped (P amp;lt; 0.001) with high or low SP-SOD activity. In conclusion, SP-SOD activity is boar dependent and positively related with sperm functionality of liquid stored semen AI-doses. However, this positive effect is not reflected on in vivo fertility post-AI. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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13. |
- Bergström, Annika, et al.
(författare)
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Hormonal concentrations in bitches with primary uterine inertia
- 2010
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 73, s. 1068-1075
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Normal labor is accompanied by sequential changes in blood concentrations of prostaglandin F2 alpha (measured as 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha = PGFM). progesterone, estradiol, oxytocin, vasopressin, and of elevated cortisol levels The aim of this study was to investigate hormone concentrations in dogs diagnosed with primary uterine inertia before and during treatment by cesarian section. The hypothesis was the dogs would have abnormally low plasma concentrations in one or several of the hormones involved in parturition The study comprised seven bitches with total primary uterine inertia (dystocia group) treated with cesarian section and SIX healthy bitches (control group) subjected to planned cesarean section Blood samples were taken before anesthesia, before surgery started, on delivery of the first puppy and on delivery of the last puppy The progesterone PGFM ratio in plasma was higher in the dystocia group than in the control group. but the serum estradiol concentration did not differ between groups The plasma concentrations of oxytocin and vasopressin increased in both groups when the first puppies were delivered, but both hormones were more elevated in the control group than in the dystocia group on delivery of the last puppies The plasma cortisol concentration increased to the same level in both groups In conclusion, the ratio between progesterone and PGFM was higher and the oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations lower in the dystocia clogs than in the control dogs The findings indicate that these hormones are involved in the pathophysiology of total primary uterine inertia in bitches (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
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14. |
- Bolarin, A, et al.
(författare)
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Dissimilarities in sows ovarian status at the insemination time could explain differences in fertility between farms when frozen-thawed semen is used
- 2006
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 65:3, s. 669-680
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Deep intrauterine insemination (DUI) offers a suitable alternative for the commercial use of frozen-thawed boar semen. The present study evaluated how the ovarian status at DUIs of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. (1 x 10(9) spz/dose, two DUls, 30-31 and 36-37 h after detection of oestrus) in 179 sows would explain differences in fertility between two farms with similar, but not equal, reproductive management (experiment 1). A further experiment investigated whether an increase in sperm number per AI-dose (1 versus 2 x 10(9) spz/dose, two DUls, 30-31 and 36-37 h after detection of oestrus, on 228 sows) could minimize this effect (experiment 2). Ovaries were checked by transrectal ultrasonography at the time of DUI and sows were classified into three categories: F-: ovarian pre-ovulatory follicles were visible during two examinations; O-: ovulation visible during one examination; and C-sows: corpora hemorragica visible during the two examinations. Overall farrowing rates differed (P less than 0.01) between farms (70.1 versus 51.2%, farms A and B, respectively). Distribution of sows among ultrasonography categories also differed (P less than 0.05) between farms (17.5, 72.2 and 10.3% were classified as F, O- and C-sows in farm A, versus 40.2, 29.3 and 30.5% in farm B). Nevertheless, farrowing rates and litter sizes within categories did not vary between farms (P greater than 0.05). In addition, a two-fold increase in the number of spermatozoa per DUI improved (P less than 0.05) fertility in F- and C-sows, but not in O-sows. In conclusion, the interval DUI-to-ovulation provides a major explanation for fertility differences between farms when frozen-thawed spermatozoa are used. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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15. |
- Cajas, Yulia N., et al.
(författare)
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Nobiletin as a novel agent to enhance porcine in vitro embryo development and quality
- 2024
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 223, s. 36-46
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In vitro embryo production (IVP) is of great importance to the porcine industry, as well as for basic research and biomedical applications. Despite the large efforts made in laboratories worldwide to address suboptimal culture conditions, porcine IVP remains inefficient. Nobiletin (Nob, 5,6,7,8,3 ' ,4 ' hexamethoxyflavone) supplementation to in vitro culture (IVC) medium, enhances in vitro embryo development in various species. However, its impact on the quality and developmental capacity of in vitro-produced pig embryos is yet to be established. This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations (2.5 and 5 mu M) of Nob during the early culture of in vitro -pro- duced pig embryos on embryo developmental competence, mitochondrial activity, lipid content, intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Glutathione (GSH) content, Total Cell Number (TCN) per blastocyst, and expression of genes related to embryo development, quality and oxidative stress. Embryos cultured in medium without Nob supplementation and in medium supplemented with 0.01 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO-vehicle for Nob) constituted the Control and DMSO groups, respectively. Embryo development rates were evaluated on Days 2, 6 and 7 of IVC. Additionally, a representative group of embryos was selected to assess mitochondrial activity, lipid, ROS and GSH content (on Days 2 and 6 of IVC), TCN assessment and gene expression analyses (on Day 6 of IVC). No significant differences were observed in any of the parameters evaluated on Day 2 of IVC. In contrast, embryos cultured under the presence of Nob 2.5 showed higher developmental rates on Days 6 and 7 of IVC. In addition, Day 6 embryos showed increased mitochondrial activity, with decreased levels of ROS and GSH in the Nob 2.5 group compared to the other groups. Both Nob 2.5 and Nob 5 embryos showed higher TCN compared to the Control and DMSO groups. Furthermore, Nob 2.5 and Nob 5 upregulated the expression of Superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1) and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase ( G6PDH) genes, which could help to counteract oxidative stress during IVC. In conclusion, the addition of Nob during the first 48 h of IVC increased porcine embryo development rates and enhanced their quality, including the upregulation of relevant genes that potentially improved the overall efficiency of the IVP system.
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16. |
- Cambra, J. M., et al.
(författare)
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The cytokine platelet factor 4 successfully replaces bovine serum albumin for the in vitro culture of porcine embryos
- 2020
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 148, s. 201-207
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The cytokine platelet factor 4 (PF4) enhances differentiation and cell viability of different stem cells lines in vitro. This study investigated whether PF4 addition to customary pig embryo semi-defined culture media can improve their developmental outcome (Experiment 1) and ultimately replace the need for bovine serum albumin (BSA, Experiment 2). Experiment 1 added PF4 (100-1000 ng/mL, 0 = control) to NCSU-23 with 0.4 mg/mL BSA culturing 3430 presumptive zygotes. Experiment 2 added PF4 (100 -1000 ng/mL, 0 = Control-PVA) to a BSA-free medium (NCSU-23 with 0.3 mg/mL PVA) culturing 3820 presumptive zygotes. Zygote culture in NCSU-23 with 0.4 mg/mL BSA was used as overall control. All groups of Experiment 1 displayed similar rates of day 2-cleavage (range: 65.0 +/- 10.9 to 70.0 +/- 5.8%); of day 7-blastocyst rates (range: 46.6 +/- 10.0 to 56.4 +/- 8.2%) and of total day 7-blastocyst efficiency (range: 32.3 +/- 8.3 to 37.2 +/- 7.3%). Addition of PF4 did not affect total cell numbers of day 7 blastocysts (range: 44.1 +/- 23.2 to 50.5 +/- 26.4). In Experiment 2, PF4 accelerated embryo development, increasing (P < 0.01) blastocyst yield compared to 0-PF4, and blastocyst formation by day 5 adding PF4 100-500 ng/mL (range: 29.9 +/- 7.8 to 31.8 +/- 5.5%; P < 0.05) compared with BSA-control (17.2 +/- 8.2%) and PF4 1000 ng/mL (15.5 +/- 7.9%); showing similar blastocyst rates (range: 42.0 +/- 11.5 to 49.3 +/- 10.0%), total efficiency (28.0 +/- 8.2 to 32.3 +/- 7.1%) total cell numbers (range: 42.6 +/- 19.3 to 45.7 +/- 23.9) as BSA-controls. In conclusion, although PF4 did not show additive improvement under usual semi-defined, BSA-supplemented embryo media, it successfully replaced BSA sustaining porcine blastocyst production in chemically defined conditions. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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17. |
- Chatdarong, Kaywalee, et al.
(författare)
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The development of cat testicular sperm cryopreservation protocols: Effects of tissue fragments or sperm cell suspension
- 2016
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 85, s. 200-206
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In endangered animals that have been found dead or sterilized for medical reasons, testis isthe ultimate source of haploid DNA or sperm. Thus, preservation of testicular sperm maybe performed to rescue their genetics. The aim of this study was to evaluate protocols fortesticular sperm freezing: as tissue fragments or cell suspension in domestic cats as amodel. A pair of testes from each cat (n ¼ 9) were cut into eight equal pieces. Fourrandomly selected pieces were cryopreserved as: (1) tissue pieces using two-step freezing;(2) tissue pieces using a slow passive cooling device (CoolCell); (3) sperm suspension aftersingle-layer centrifugation (SLC) through colloids; and (4) sperm suspension without beingprocessed through SLC. A testicular piece from each cat served as fresh control. Testicularsperm membrane and DNA integrity were evaluated before, and after, the cryopreservationprocess. In addition, spermatogenic cell types (testicular sperm, spermatogonia, spermatocyte,and spermatid) present in the suspension samples were counted before andafter SLC. The results found that testicular sperm membrane integrity in the suspensionafter SLC process was higher than that in the fragment form neither using the two-step norCoolCell freezing, both before and after freezing (before freezing: 92.3 3.4 vs. 81 4.5and 80.0 7.0; after freezing: 84.5 4.6 vs. 71.2 12 and 76.2 4.6; P 0.05). Testicularsperm DNA integrity was, however, not different among groups. Furthermore, the samplesprocessed through the SLC had higher ration of sperm cells: other spermatogenic cells thanthose were not processed through the SLC (88.9 3.8 vs. 30 7.9; P 0.05). In summary,testicular sperm cryopreserved as a minced suspension is considered suitable in terms ofpreventing sperm membrane integrity, and SLC is considered a selection tool for enrichinghaploid sperm cells from castrated or postmortem cats.
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18. |
- Cox, J.F., et al.
(författare)
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Computer-assisted analysis of sperm motion in goats and its relationship with sperm migration in cervical mucus
- 2006
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 66:4, s. 860-867
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In vitro sperm migration in cervical mucus relates to sperm concentration at the utero-tubal junction and to in vivo fertilization performance in goats. The present study aimed to characterize, using Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA), motility patterns depicted by buck sperm and their relation to the migration efficiency in homologous (goat) and heterologous (heifer) cervical mucus in vitro. Semen was collected from 23 sexually mature bucks from three breeds by artificial vagina and sperm were assessed for motility parameters with a Hobson Sperm analyzer following extension in Sperm Analysis Medium (SAM). To study the relationship between kinematics parameters and the ability of sperm to migrate in cervical mucus, in a first experiment, motility performance of buck sperm suspended in SAM was compared against seminal plasma. In a second experiment, kinematics parameters of sperm were characterized. In a third experiment, bucks with sperm that differed in specific motion parameters were compared for the ability of their sperm to migrate through goat and bovine cervical mucus collected at estrus. In a fourth experiment, ejaculates that were compared in their migration ability and were assessed simultaneously for their motility parameters. Overall, sperm suspended in SAM medium had better velocity and similar linearity and lateral head displacement than those suspended in seminal plasma; furthermore, caprine sperm swam relatively fast (relative to bovine and ovine sperm), following a very linear trajectory. Under the conditions used, velocity parameters, linearity and lateral head displacement seemed to be related to sperm migration efficiency in homologous mucus but not in bovine cervical mucus. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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19. |
- Cuello, C., et al.
(författare)
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Vitrification of in vitro cultured porcine two-to-four cell embryos
- 2007
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 68:2, s. 258-264
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of a 5-day period of in vitro culture of two-to-four cell porcine embryos up to the blastocyst stage on their ability to survive vitrification and warming. In order to increase the cooling rate, superfine open pulled straws and Vit-Master (R) technology were used for vitrification. Two-to-four cell embryos were collected from weaned sows (n = 11) on day 2 (DO = onset of estrus). Some embryos (N = 63) were vitrified within 3 It after collection, warmed and cultured for 120 h (Group V2). Additionally, 81 two-to-four cell embryos were cultured for 96 It in order to obtain blastocysts; these were then vitrified, warmed and cultured for 24 h (Group VB; N = 65). The remaining two-to-four cell embryos were used as controls and thus not vitrified (control embryos; N = 70) but were cultured in vitro for 120 h. The V2, VB and control embryos were evaluated for their developmental progression and morphology during culture. All embryos (V2, VB and controls) were fixed on the same day of development in order to assess the total number of blastomeres. The survival and blastocyst formation rates obtained from V2 embryos were very poor (9.6 +/- 0.7% and 3.2 +/- 0.5%, respectively). The survival and hatching rates of VB embryos (75.0 +/- 0.69% and 33.6 +/- 0.13%) were lower (p less than 0.001) than those obtained with control embryos (89.1 +/- 0.8% and 47.5 +/- 0.12%). Hatched VB embryos had a lower (p less than 0.01) total cell number than hatched control embryos (70.3 +/- 4.5 versus 90.6 +/- 3.2, respectively). There was no difference between expanded VB and control blastocysts. In conclusion, blastocysts derived from in vitro culture of two-to-four cell pig embryos could be successfully vitrified using SOPS straws and Vit-Master (R). (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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20. |
- Cuello, Cristina, et al.
(författare)
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Vitrification of pig embryos dysregulates the microRNA transcriptome profile
- 2024
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 226, s. 243-252
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study examined how the vitrification of pig blastocysts using either the superfine open pulled straw (SOPS) or Cryotop method affects the expression profile of embryonic microRNA (miRNA) transcriptomes, as well as its relation to changes in the expression of target genes (TGs). Surgically collected pig blastocysts were vitrified using either the SOPS method (n = 60; 4 - 6 embryos/device) or the Cryotop system (n = 60; 20 embryos/device). Embryos were cultured in vitro for 24 h after warming. Fresh blastocysts (n = 60) cultured for 24 h served as controls. After in vitro culture, five pools of eight viable blastocysts from each group were prepared for miRNA expression analysis based on a microarray approach. Then, biological interpretation of miRNAs profiles and integrative analysis of miRNA and mRNA transcriptome data were performed. Survival after 24 h of in vitro culture was similar ( >96 %) for both the vitrification systems and the control group (100 %). Compared with the controls, the SOPS -vitrified blastocysts had 94 (one upregulated and 93 downregulated) differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs, and the Cryotop-vitrified blastocysts had 174 DE miRNAs (one upregulated and 173 downregulated). One DE miRNA (miR-503) in the SOPS group and three DE miRNAs (miR-7139 - 3p, miR-214 and miR-885 - 3p) in the Cryotop group were annotated for Sus scrofa . The integrative analysis showed that 27 and 61 DE TGs were regulated by the DE miRNAs in blastocysts vitrified with the SOPS and Cryotop systems, respectively. The TGs enriched one pathway (the TGF- beta signaling pathway) for the SOPS system and four pathways (HIF-1, Notch, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism and glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-ganglio series) for the Cryotop system. In summary, vitrification via the SOPS and Cryotop systems dysregulates miRNAs, with slight differences between methods. The altered miRNAs identified in this study were related mainly to cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the response to cell stress. Further studies are needed to clarify the consequences of dysregulation of miRNAs involved in the TGF- beta (SOPS -vitrified blastocyst) and Notch (Cryotop-vitrified blastocyst) signaling pathways, particularly if they can affect embryonic development.
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21. |
- de Paz, Paulino, et al.
(författare)
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The relationship between ram sperm head morphometry and fertility depends on the procedures of acquisition and analysis used.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 76:7, s. 1313-1325
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sperm head morphometry is a parameter in the evaluation of semen that has been associated with fertility in two ways: comparing morphometric measures between predefined groups of fertility; or analyzing morphometric data by multivariate techniques to identify cell populations. We analyzed the morphometry of ram sperm head by three procedures and checked its relationship with male fertility. A Computer-Aided Sperm Morphometric Assessment procedure (CASMA), an image analysis software (NIS-Elements) in combination with an optical microscope (MO-NIS) and this image analysis software in combination with a scanning electron microscope (SEM-NIS) were used. Eight morphometric parameters were assessed: length, width, area, perimeter, ellipticity, form factor, elongation and regularity. We observed significant differences between the morphometric data of sperm head obtained with three study procedures. The CASMA procedure shows the highest values for all parameters and the SEM-NIS procedure the lowest. The analysis of a semen sample, when only the mean of morphometric parameters is used to describe the cell population, is too limited to interpret their fertilizing capacity. It is essential to analyze the complex structure of the samples by defining subpopulations by multivariate methods. With few exceptions, the means of each morphometric parameter differ between the three subpopulations analyzed in each procedure. Only the subpopulations obtained with the MO-NIS procedure showed a significant correlation with male fertility. In short, it is necessary to establish an instrumental standard for the analysis of sperm morphometry to obtain reliable results and we believe that the MO-NIS system presents these basic requirements.
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22. |
- Einarsson, S., et al.
(författare)
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Conference Lecture: Influence of stress on estrus, gametes and early embryo development in the sow
- 2008
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 70:8, s. 1197-1201
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Systems with loose-housed sows have become common. Regrouping, which is commonly done after weaning and may coincide with many important reproductive events, causes stressful situations with elevated blood cortisol concentrations. Depending on group size, approximately 2-7 d are required for a new group of sows to become relatively stable. In a series of studies, the social stress after regrouping was simulated with repeated adrenocorticortriphic hormone (ACTH) treatments for approximately 48 h. Sows were allocated into control and experimental groups, fitted with jugular catheters, and blood samples were collected every 2 or 4 h. Follicular development and ovulation were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography every 4 h. Simulated stress during proestrus prolonged estrus and disturbed the follicular growth and ovulation. Giving ACTH during estrus elevated concentrations of cortisol and progesterone, and chagned the intraluminal environment, including exaggerated amounts of mucus in the UTJ and isthmus. Although ACTH had no effect on the time of ovluation (relative to onset of standing estrus), or on embryo development, fewer oocytes/embryos were retrieved from the ACTH group than from the control group (51% vs. 81%, P less than 0.05), and there was a tendency towards faster embryo transportation to the uterus. Short-term fasting after ovulation had an unfavourable effect on sperm numbers in UTJ/isthmus, cleavage rate of fertlized ova, as well as ova transport through the isthmic part of the oviduct. Treatment with ACTH after ovulation redcued numbers of spermatozoa at the zona pellucida and retarded cleavage rate of fertilized ova. Therefore, the timing of stress seemed to be an important factor regarding effects on reproductive events. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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23. |
- Einarsson, Stig, et al.
(författare)
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Occurrence of bacteria and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in fetal compartments at parturition; relationships with foal and mare health in the peripartum period
- 2015
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 84, s. 163-169
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study investigated the relationship of the health of the newborn foal and (1) number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) in the amniotic fluid, (2) bacteria present in the amniotic fluid and the venous umbilical blood, and (3) bacteria present in the uterus of the newly foaled mare. A further aim was to investigate relationships between the bacteriologic findings in the amniotic fluid, umbilical blood, and uterus postpartum. Samples were taken from 50 Standardbred trotter foaling mares from a well-managed stud in Sweden. Parturition was spontaneous in all cases. Length of pregnancy, parturition and postpartum complications, health status of the foal, the time between foaling and the expulsion of the placenta, and the number of postfoaling mares becoming pregnant after insemination were recorded. Amniotic fluid was collected when the amniotic vesicle was clearly visible; it was analyzed for bacteriology and occurrence of PMNLs. Umbilical blood was analyzed for the presence of bacteria and the concentration of serum amyloid A. The uterus of themarewas swabbed for bacteriology 6 to 17 hours postpartum. A blood samplewas taken from the foal before administering plasma. The foals were divided into two groups: group 1 required up to 2 hours to rise after birth (2 hours; 31 foals) and group 2 requiredmore than two hours (>2 hours; 19 foals). The length of gestation varied between 332 and 356 days; there was no significant difference in gestation length between the two foal groups. Partus and postpartum complications occurred in a significantly higher proportion of mares giving birth to group 2 foals than group 1 foals (P ¼ 0.02), although uterine culture postpartum and the subsequent pregnancy rate per season were not different between the groups. Compromised health status was significantly higher among foals belonging to group 2 than group 1 (P ¼ 0.001). Most of the amniotic samples contained 5% or less PMNLs. Only three samples contained more than 30% PMNLs; group 2 foals had the highest percentage of PMNLs. Bacterial growth was found in both amniotic fluid (57%) and umbilical blood (35%) in mares irrespective of whether their foals were healthy or compromised. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequent bacteria. There were no differences in bacterial occurrence in amniotic fluid or in umbilical blood between the two foal groups
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24. |
- Einarsson, S., et al.
(författare)
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Short- and long-term effects of immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone, using Improvac (TM), on sexual maturity, reproductive organs and sperm morphology in male pigs
- 2009
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 71:2, s. 302-310
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of this study was to determine the short and long term effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine (Improvac (TM) Pfizer Ltd.), on sexual maturity, development of the reproductive organs, and the morphology of caudal epididymal spermatozoa in non-castrated male pigs. The pigs were slaughtered 4, 16 or 22 weeks after the second Improvac (TM) vaccination. A total of 80 crossbred non-castrated male pigs were included in this study comprising two experiments, a short-effect (Experiment 1) and a long-effect (Experiment 2). The first experiment included 56 pigs, 24 of them were maintained as controls and 32 were vaccinated twice, and slaughtered 4 weeks after the second vaccination. The second experiment included 24 pigs, 12 controls and 12 vaccinated twice, and slaughtered either 16 weeks (n = 6) or 22 weeks (n = 6) after the second vaccination. None of the immunized pigs was sexually mature at slaughter, i.e. 4, 16 or 22 weeks after second vaccination. Corresponding results of the control pigs showed that 50% had reached sexual maturity at the age corresponding to 4 weeks after the second vaccination. and 100% at slaughter 16, respectively, 22 weeks after vaccination. At 4, 16 and 22 weeks after second vaccination both testes weight and bulbourethral length were significantly reduced (p less than 0.001). The percentages of proximal droplets and abnormal heads were significantly lower in the control pigs than in the immunized pigs at slaughter 4 weeks after vaccination, whereas distal droplets were higher. For the other morphological parameters no significant differences were seen, but all mean values except for acrosome defects were numerically lower in the control pigs compared with the immunized pigs. For pigs slaughtered 16 or 22 weeks after vaccination, the vaccination effect was significant for percentages of proximal droplets, distal droplets, acrosome defects, acrosome abnormality and abnormal heads (p = 0.017-0.001). The immunization clearly disrupted the number and morphology of the interstitial Leydig cells, lasting throughout the study period (4-22 weeks after vaccination). Spermatogenesis was also clearly affected in the immunized pigs, to various degrees, from mild disruption (spermatocyte loss, decrease of the normal number of layers of germ cells) to severe loss of germ cells including tubuli with Sertoli cells-only (complete disappearance of germ cells), also covering the entire study period. The results indicated that the effect of immunization persisted for at least 22 weeks after the second vaccination. (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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25. |
- Ekwall, Hans, et al.
(författare)
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Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) of boar semen frozen in medium-straws and MiniFlatPacks
- 2007
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 67:9, s. 1463-1472
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study we demonstrate, in the frozen state, the architecture of frozen boar spermatozoa collected from the sperm-rich fraction of ejaculates (n = 13) from four fertile boars packed and split-frozen in medium-straws (MS) and MiniFlatPacks (MFP), cross-sectioned in the frozen state and evaluated by image analysis on images obtained by use of cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM). The tested hypothesis was that the degree of in situ dehydration and levels of homogeneity of boar semen either frozen in MSs or MFPs packages differ between them, with MFPs allowing for a more uniform dehydration of the spermatozoa and a higher cryosurvival, monitored by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) as proportion of linearly motile spermatozoa, compared to semen packaged and processed in MSs. The organization and relative surface of biological material (veins; e.g., frozen extender, bound water, solutes and spermatozoa) as well as free water (lakes) was measured as the degree of dehydration of the samples. The apparent organization of lakes and veins differed between packages, with the MFPs depicting larger lakes than the MSs. The sizes of the lakes in the latter appeared, moreover, highly asymmetrical depending on their position of the section. The relative surface of these lakes per section, respectively veins differed between packages (P less than 0.05), indicating a larger amount of free-water (lakes; 81.73 +/- 2.07% vs. 77.91 +/- 1.57%) in the MFPs and, consequently, thinner veins than in MSs. In conclusion, MFPs seem to allow for a more homogenous dehydration of the spermatozoa/frozen extender compared to MSs, which might account for their somewhat better sperm quality post-thaw. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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26. |
- Elwing, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of different freezing rates and thawing temperatures on cryosurvival of dromedary camel spermatozoa
- 2019
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 125, s. 43-48
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different freezing rates and thawing temperatures on the post-thaw quality of camel spermatozoa. Ten ejaculates from five male camels were frozen at five different freezing rates, achieved by placing the straws at specific heights above the surface of liquid nitrogen for different lengths of time (4 cm for 15 min; 1 cm for 15 min; 7 cm for 15 min; 7 cm for 5 min + 4 cm for 3 min; 4 cm for 5 min + 1 cm for 3 min) followed by storage in liquid nitrogen. Two thawing temperatures (37 degrees for 30 s and 60 degrees C for 10 s) were subsequently tested. Post-thawing, the samples were evaluated for total and progressive motility, kinematics, membrane and acrosome integrity, and membrane functionality (hypoosmotic swelling test) at zero and 1 h post thawing. Total and progressive motility were significantly higher for the fastest freezing rate (at 1 cm) at 0 h (p < 0.01 for both), as were VCL (p < 0.01), VSL (p < 0.05) and STR (p < 0.05). Freezing at 4 cm produced the lowest values of STR compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). At 1 h, no differences in total motility were observed between freezing at 4 cm and 1 cm, both being significantly better than freezing rate 7 cm + 4 cm (p < 0.01). For progressive motility and VSL, only freezing at 1 cm was superior to the 7 cm + 4 cm combination (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 respectively). Membrane integrity at 1 h was higher for freezing at 7 cm than at 1 cm (p < 0.01). For thawing temperatures, total motility and progressive motility at 0 h and 1 h (p < 0.001), and acrosome integrity at 1 h (p < 0.01) were higher for 60 degrees C thawing temperature than 37 degrees C. The kinematics VCL (p < 0.001), VSL and STR (p < 0.01), and VAP (p < 0.05) showed higher values for 60 degrees C thawing temperature than 37 degrees C at 0 h. After 1 h, higher values for VSL, VCL and VAP (p < 0.05) were observed for 60 degrees C than for 37 degrees C. In conclusion, a fast freezing rate would probably be beneficial for camel semen, and thawing should be conducted at 60 degrees C. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Inc.
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27. |
- Ferrari, Desiree, et al.
(författare)
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Concentration of carprofen in the milk of lactating bitches after cesarean section and during inflammatory conditions
- 2022
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 181, s. 59-68
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pain treatment of lactating bitches is a clinically relevant, but complicated issue. Published scientific studies regarding the excretion of drugs in canine milk are scarce. When considering the risk of side effects in their offspring, lactating bitches have traditionally received very restricted analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy. Our aim was to quantify the concentrations of carprofen in milk from lactating bitches and relate those to potential risks for the puppies. A second aim was to evaluate the impact mastitis may have on the concentration of carprofen in milk. A population of 100 bitches was enrolled in the study, among which 88 were bitches treated with carprofen after cesarean section (Group CS), eight were bitches with painful inflammatory conditions (Group I) and four were bitches with mastitis (Group M). The patients enrolled in the study received carprofen 4 mg/kg sc at day 1 followed by 2 mg/kg po every 12 h for the following 2-5 days. Owners were instructed to collect milk once a day for five days. The concentration of carprofen in the milk was quantified with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The data obtained were statistically analyzed as repeated-measures data with a mixed-model approach. Data were used to calculate the theoretical maximum total daily intake of carprofen by the puppies in order to perform a computerized simulation of the plasma concentration of carprofen in the puppies. Follow-up telephone interviews to check the status of the enrolled bitches and their litters occurred at one week and three-six months after treatment with car-profen. The major finding of the study was that the concentration of carprofen in the milk was <700 ng/ mL from bitches undergoing CS or suffering painful conditions other than mastitis. In comparison, administration of 2 mg/kg of carprofen sc or po to adult dogs, results in mean maximal plasma con-centrations of 19480 +/- 5420 ng/mL (mean +/- SD). Moreover, data suggests that inflammation of the mammary gland results in a higher concentration of carprofen in milk (up to 1300 ng/mL). In the computerized simulation, the plasma concentrations of carprofen in puppies in group CS and in group I are one tenth of the concentration in adult dogs receiving carprofen at standard doses. Considering the low excretion into milk, carprofen provides an analgesic alternative to lactating bitches without mastitis.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
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28. |
- Gardela, Jaume, et al.
(författare)
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Mild hypothermia and vitrification increase the mRNA expression of cold-inducible proteins in bovine oocytes and cumulus cells
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier Science Inc. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 185, s. 16-23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRBP) assists cells in adapting to new environmental conditions stabilizing specific mRNAs and promoting their translation. CIRBP participates in anti-apoptotic and anti-senescence processes, and its expression is induced by mild hypothermia, which may be advantageous to oocytes during vitrification. Several newly discovered small molecules, like zr17-2, mimic the effects of cold temperatures by increasing the expression of CIRBP at normothermia. This study aimed to evaluate the mRNA changes of a group of cold-inducible protein-encoding and apoptotic genes in response to exogenous supplementation of zr17-2 (experiment 1) or CIRBP (experiment 2) in vitro matured bovine oocytes and their cumulus cells. In experiment 1, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were randomly exposed to three concentrations of zr17-2 (1, 10, and 100 mu M) during 24 h of in vitro maturation (IVM) under normothermia (38.5 degrees C) or mild hypothermia (34 degrees C) culture conditions. In experiment 2, COCs were randomly exposed to three concentrations of CIRBP (2, 4, and 6 mu g/mL) or subjected to mild hypothermia (34 degrees C), followed by oocyte vitrification/warming after 20 h of IVM. The quantification of the selected gene transcript expression was performed separately in oocytes and cumulus cells by quantitative real-time PCR. We show that oocytes and cumulus cells exhibited similar mRNA expression responses to mild hypothermia and vitrification. However, minor differences were observed when COCs were exposed to exogenous supplementation with zr17-2 and CIRBP. In conclusion, the alterations observed in the mRNA expression in these experimental conditions may impact the quality of the cumulus-oocyte complexes in terms of vitrification and sublethal hypothermia challenges. In this sense, our results should complement other oocyte quality assessments for its application in future assisted reproductive techniques in the bovine species, including improving oocyte cryotolerance to vitrification. (C) 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
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29. |
- Gil, MA, et al.
(författare)
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Does multivariate analysis of post-thaw sperm characteristics accurately estimate in vitro fertility of boar individual ejaculates?
- 2005
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 64:2, s. 305-316
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of this study was to determine if a multivariate pattern analysis of frozen-thawed sperm characteristics of boar semen of unknown fertility, thus identifying groups of ejaculates as "good" or "bad" freezers, would estimate their fertilizing potential in an in vitro embryo production (IVP) system. Frozen-thawed spermatozoa from a single ejaculate collected from 46 boars were evaluated for sperm motility and kinematic patterns, for sperm viability and for early changes in sperm membrane stability. All data generated were used for a multivariate pattern analysis (PATN; CSIRO, Canberra, Australia) which objectively classified all ejaculates within a data set in to one of two groups, categorised as "good" (n = 25) or "bad" (n = 21) according with their freezability. In vitro matured oocytes were exposed to 2000 or 4000 frozen-thawed spermatozoa per oocyte for 6 h and then cultured in embryo culture medium for either 6 h (assurance of fertilization) or 7 days (to collect data on embryo development). Rates of sperm oocyte penetration and of embryo development significantly (p less than 0.05) increased in a sperm:oocyte ratio-dependent manner. A similar pattern was observed when sperm characteristics were grouped. Indeed, ejaculates classified as "good" showed significantly (p less than 0.05) higher rates of oocyte penetration, cleavage and of blastocyst formation than those classified as "bad". However, variation was still present among individuals (ejaculates, boars) in their ability to produce blastocysts in vitro. It is therefore concluded that despite the presence of a relationship for ejaculates with good semen quality post-thaw (thus grouped as "good") to higher IVP-results, the presence of individual variation does not allow for an accurate estimation of in vitro fertility based solely on the frozen-thawed semen quality parameters of a single ejaculate from a given boar. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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30. |
- Gonzalez-Arto, Marta, et al.
(författare)
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Melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 are expressed in spermatozoa from several seasonal and nonseasonal breeder species
- 2016
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 86:8, s. 1958-1968
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Melatonin is a ubiquitous and multipurpose molecule, and one of its roles is to regulate reproduction in some seasonal mammals. Our group has previously reported the variation in the melatonin levels in ram seminal plasma along the year and identified MT1 and MT2 receptors in ram spermatozoa. The objective of this study was to elucidate whether the presence of melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) in the sperm plasma membrane, and melatonin in the seminal plasma is related to seasonal breeding. For this purpose, the presence of melatonin receptors and tseasonal breeder (epididymal spermatozoa); bull as a conventional nonseasonhe levels of melatonin in seminal plasma have been examined in several species: donkey and stallion as long-day breeders; red deer as a wild, short-day, highly al breeder; boar as a seasonal breeder, under management techniques; and dog as possible a seasonal breeder not regulated by melatonin. We have detected measurable levels of melatonin in the seminal plasma of all ejaculated semen samples (from donkey, stallion, boar, bull, and dog). Also, and for the first time, we have demonstrated the presence of MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors in the spermatozoa of all these species, regardless their type of reproduction or sperm source (ejaculated or epididymal), using indirect immunofluorescence techniques and Western blotting. Our findings suggest that melatonin and melatonin receptors may be universally distributed in the reproductive system of mammals and that the sperm melatonin receptors cells may not be necessarily related with seasonal reproduction. Furthermore, the presence of MT1 at the cytoplasmic droplet in immature ejaculated stallion spermatozoa found in one sample and epididymal red deer spermatozoa suggests that melatonin may be involved in specific functions during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, like protecting spermatozoa from oxidative damage, this activity being mediated through these receptors. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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31. |
- Gonzalez Herrero, Raquel, et al.
(författare)
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Blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration during the preovulatory period in the sow negatively affects in vitro fertilization by disturbing spermatozoa function
- 2015
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 83, s. 1128-1139
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Successful fertilization is essential for reproduction and might be negatively affected by stressful events, which could alter the environment where fertilization occurs. The aim of the study was to determine whether an altered hormonal profile in blood plasma caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration could affect in vitro fertilization in the pig model. In experiment 1, gametes were exposed for 24 hours to plasma from ACTHtreated, non-ACTH-treated sows, or medium with BSA. Fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were lower in the ACTH group compared with the no ACTH or BSA control groups (P < 0.01). In experiment 2, the exposure of matured oocytes for 1 hour before fertilization to the same treatments did not have an impact on their ability to undergo fertilization or on embryo development. In experiment 3, spermatozoa were incubated for 0, 1, 4, and 24 hours under the same conditions. There was no effect of treatment on sperm viability. The percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa remained higher in the ACTH group compared with the non-ACTH-treated group through the incubation period (P < 0.001). Protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) patterns were also affected by treatment (P < 0.001). The presence of an atypical PTP pattern was higher in the ACTH group at all the analyzed time points compared with the BSA and no ACTH groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, this altered environment may not affect oocyte competence but might affect the sperm fertilizing ability through alterations in the acrosome reaction and correct sequence of PTP patterns. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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32. |
- Gonzalez Herrero, Raquel, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of an altered hormonal environment by blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic administration on embryo development and gene expression in porcine embryos
- 2021
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 162, s. 15-21
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Early embryonic development may be affected by adrenal hyperactivity in stressful situations which may lead to endocrine changes in the embryo environment. A sensitive period in porcine embryo development is the 4-cell stage when the embryo genome activation occurs. A mixed in vivo-in vitro system was implemented to test whether an altered milieu around this stage could affect embryo development and blastocyst quality in the porcine model. After in vitro maturation and fertilisation, presumptive zygotes were exposed for 24 h to plasma collected after ovulation from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treated, non-ACTH-treated sows; and, medium without plasma, supplemented with bovine serum albumin. Subsequently, embryo development and differences in gene expression were tested among treatments. Cleavage and blastocyst rates did not differ between treatments. Blastocyst quality by morphology assessment was similar when all the resulting blastocysts were included in the analysis. However, when only expanded blastocysts (and onwards) were included in the analysis, the blastocysts from the non-ACTH plasma group showed better quality score. Blastocyst quality by morphological assessment was not mirrored by the transcription levels of various important genes for embryo development whose gene expression profile did not significantly differ among groups. It is likely that the effect of the altered environment provided by plasma from ACTH-treated sows was too short to affect embryo development. Therefore, a brief exposure to an altered endocrine environment may not have harmful consequences for the embryo once fertilisation occurs. (c) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.
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33. |
- Gonzalez Herrero, Raquel, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration during the preovulatory period in the sow on oocyte in vitro maturation
- 2013
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 80, s. 673-683
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Reproduction may be affected by stressful events changing the female endocrine or metabolic profile. An altered environment during oocyte development could influence the delicate process of oocyte maturation. Here, the effect of simulated stress by media supplementation with blood plasma from sows after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration during the preovulatory period was assessed. Oocytes were matured for 46 hours in the presence of plasma from ACTH-treated sows, or plasma from NaCl-treated control sows, or medium without plasma (BSA group). The plasma used had been collected at 36 and 12 hours (+/- 2 hours) before ovulation (for the first 24 hours + last 22 hours of maturation, respectively). Subsequent fertilization and embryo development were evaluated. Actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial patterns were studied by confocal microscopy both in the oocytes and the resulting blastocysts. Nuclear maturation did not differ between treatments. Subtle differences were observed in the actin microfilaments in oocytes; however, mitochondrial patterns were associated with the treatment (P < 0.001). These differences in mitochondrial patterns were not reflected by in vitro outcomes, which were similar in all groups. In conclusion, an altered hormonal environment provided by a brief exposure to plasma from ACTH-treated sows during in vitro oocyte maturation could induce alterations in actin cytoskeleton and mitochondria( patterns in oocytes. However, these changes might not hamper the subsequent in vitro embryo development. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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34. |
- Gonzalez-Plaza, Alejandro, et al.
(författare)
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Cryotop vitrification of large batches of pig embryos simultaneously provides excellent postwarming survival rates and minimal interference with gene expression
- 2023
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 206
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The most commonly used technique to vitrify pig embryos is the super open pulled straw (SOPS), where a maximum of 6 embryos can be vitrified simultaneously per device without compromising the mini-mum volume necessary for optimal preservation. Since optimal embryo transfer (ET) demands a transfer of 20-40 embryos per recipient, the customary use of SOPS complicates embryo warming and ET in field conditions. Such complications could be avoided when using the Cryotop (R) (OC) system, which has been proven to be an effective option for vitrifying at least 20 porcine embryos simultaneously. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the transcriptome of blastocysts caused by vitrification using both systems. In vivo-derived blastocysts were OC-(n 1/4 60; 20 embryos/device) and SOPS-(n 1/4 60; 4-6 embryos/device) vitrified and cultured for 24 h after warming. Nonvitrified blastocysts (n 1/4 60) cultured for 24 h postcollection acted as controls. At the end of culture, 48 viable embryos from each group (6 pools of 8 embryos) were selected for microarray (GeneChip (R) Porcine Genome Array, P/N 900624, Affymetrix) analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The survival rate of embryos vitrified with the OC and SOPS systems (>97%) was similar to that of the control embryos (10 0%). Microarray analysis of each vitrification system compared to the control group showed 245 DEGs (89 downregulated and 156 upregulated) for the OC system and 210 (44 downregulated and 166 upregulated) for the SOPS system. Two pathways were enriched for the DEGs specifically altered in each vitrification system compared to the control (glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and carbon metabolism pathways for the OC system and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism and lysosome pathways in the SOPS group). The OC group showed 31 downregulated and 24 upregulated genes and two enriched pathways (mineral absorption and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways) when compared to the SOPS group. In summary, vitrification with the OC system altered fewer genes related to apoptosis and activated genes related to cell proliferation. We conclude that vitrification with either the OC or SOPS system has a moderate to low effect on the transcriptome of in vivo-derived porcine blastocysts. Further investigation is needed to elucidate how the differences in the transcriptome of embryos vitrified with these systems affect their subsequent developmental ability after ET.
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35. |
- Hagman, Ragnvi, et al.
(författare)
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A breed-matched case-control study of potential risk-factors for canine pyometra
- 2011
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 75, s. 1251-1257
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective was to evaluate plausible risk-factors for pyometra, a common disease affecting almost 25% of all (unspayed) female dogs before 10 years of age. Because of the strong breed-predilection, an age- and breed-matched case-control study was undertaken on 87 pairs (pyometra-cases and healthy controls) from five breeds (Rottweiler (n = 13), Collie (n = 8), Golden retriever (n = 24), Labrador retriever (n = 16) and German shepherd dog (n = 26)). The mean age was 7.9 y (range 0.8-13.8 y). Variables analyzed included pseudopregnancy, age at first oestrus, length of and regularity of the interoestrus interval, hormone treatments, nulliparity, number of parities, age at first whelping, previous urinary tract infections and mammary tumours. Data were modelled multivariably using matched-pair conditional logistic regression. Analysing interactions with breed, previous pregnancy was statistically associated with pyometra. When amalgamated, in three breeds previous pregnancy was protective (Rottweiler, Collie, Labrador retriever) and in one breed statistically intermediate (German shepherd dog) when compared to the baseline (Golden retriever). Previous pregnancy was a statistically significant factor that had a protective effect against pyometra in some breeds but not in the Golden retriever breed. These findings indicate that protective- and risk-factors may vary between different breeds. The obvious problem with low power and limited possibility for extrapolation, using few dogs in few breeds, is acknowledged. However, it is suggested that failure to control for the confounding effect of breed, especially in epidemiological studies on dog diseases, may lead to potentially erroneous conclusions. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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36. |
- Hagman, Ragnvi, et al.
(författare)
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Incidence of pyometra in Swedish insured cats
- 2014
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 82, s. 114-120
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pyometra is a clinically relevant problem in intact female cats and dogs. The etiology is similar in both animal species, with the disease caused by bacterial infection of a progesterone-sensitized uterus. Here, we studied pyometra in cats with the aim to describe the incidence and probability of developing pyometra based on age and breed. The data used were reimbursed claims for veterinary care insurance or life insurance claims or both in cats insured in a Swedish insurance database from 1999 to 2006. The mean incidence rate (IR) for pyometra was about 17 cats per 10,000 cat years at risk (CYAR). Cats with pyometra were diagnosed at a median age of 4 years and a significant breed effect was observed. The breed with the highest IR (433 cats per 10,000 CYAR) was the Sphynx, and other breeds with IR over 60 cats per 10,000 CYAR were Siberian cat, Ocicat, Korat, Siamese, Ragdoll, Maine coon, and Bengal. Pyometra was more commonly diagnosed with increasing age, with a marked increase in cats older than 7 years. The mean case fatality rate in all cats was 5.7%, which is slightly higher than corresponding reports in dogs of 3% to 4%. Geographical location (urban or rural) did not affect the risk of developing the disease. The present study provides information of incidence and probability of developing pyometra based on age, breed, and urban or rural geographical location. These data may be useful for designing cat breeding programs in high-risk breeds and for future studies of the genetic background of the disease. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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37. |
- Hagman, Ragnvi, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma PGF(2 alpha) metabolite levels in cats with uterine disease
- 2009
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 72, s. 1180-1187
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Uterine disease induces PGF(2 alpha) increase in many animal species, which can be measured by the metabolite 15-keto-(13,14)-dihydro-PGF(2 alpha) (PGFM). Plasma PGFM levels are associated with severity of the uterine disease and presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in dogs. The objectives in this study were to investigate PGFM levels, presence of SIRS, and clinical and laboratory parameters in female cats as possible indicators for severity of uterine disease. In total, 7 female cats with pyometra, 2 with mucometra, 7 with cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH), and 14 healthy control cats were included. Physical examination, ovariohysterectomy, and histopathology were performed, laboratory parameters were analyzed, and PGFM levels were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Analysis of variance, Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test and Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. In cats with pyometra, mean PGFM levels were increased (21.1 nmol L-1) but were decreased in cats with CEH (0.4 nmol L-1) compared with control cats (0.6 nmol L-1). In cats with mucometra, the mean PGFM level was 8.8 nmol L-1. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome was present in 6 (85%) cats with pyometra, 1 cat with mucometra, and 1 cat with CEH. Hospitalization length was negatively correlated with albumin and positively correlated with total white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophils, band neutrophils (BN), percentage BN (PBN), and monocytes. Pyometra and mucometra were associated with increased plasma levels of PGFM. The parameters albumin, WBC, neutrophils, BN, PBN, and monocytes may be useful to determine morbidity as measured by hospitalization length. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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38. |
- Hagman, Ragnvi
(författare)
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Serum tryptophan and its metabolites in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy as treatment of pyometra or as elective spay surgery
- 2015
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 83, s. 1279-1286
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study compares serum concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in healthy bitches and bitches with bacterial uterine infection (pyometra). The effects of surgery were also assessed by measuring these variables in both groups of dogs before and after ovariohysterectomy. Presurgery, mean (+/- standard deviation) TRP, KYN, and KYNA concentrations and IDO activity were 68.44 +/- 1.77, 2.00 +/- 0.33, 112.11 +/- 111.91 mu mol/L, and 29.22 +/- 10.10, respectively, in the healthy dogs; and 40.16 +/- 12.11, 8.27 +/- 3.94, 411.11 +/- 199.60 mu mol/L, and 205.92 +/- 154.20, respectively, in the dogs with pyometra. Tryptophan and KYN levels had normalized on suture removal (10 days after surgery) though IDO activity and KYNA concentrations remained elevated during the postoperative period compared with presurgery values in both study groups. Our results suggest that KYNA concentrations and IDO activity could be useful indicators of the inflammation induced by pyometra and could be also used to monitor recovery following ovariohysterectomy in both healthy dogs and dogs with pyometra. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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39. |
- Hallap, T, et al.
(författare)
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Mitochondrial activity of frozen-thawed spermatozoa assessed by Mitotracker Deep Red 633
- 2005
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 63:8, s. 2311-2322
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present study was conducted to find a more objective method of evaluating sperm quality than the current subjective motility evaluations by testing the applicability of a novel fluorescent probe, Mitotracker Deep Red 633 (M-22426), for measuring the mitochondrial activity of spermatozoa both after freezing/thawing (PT) and after swim-up selection (SU), using flow cytometry (FC). The results from FC were compared to those of conventional microscopic motility evaluations and of computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) as well as to the fertility obtained after AI in the field. Semen from six Estonian Holstein bulls, processed when the sires were aged 3, 5, and 7 years, was included in the experiment. Sperm motility (measured either subjectively or by means of CASA) was always significantly (p less than 0.01-0.001) higher in the spermatozoa recovered by SU, for any of the age groups considered, or even when combining the age groups. Motility (measured subjectively) after SU was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher when bulls reached 7 years of age, compared to earlier collection ages, but no differences were registered between ages for CASA-assessed motility, either after SU or immediately PT. The numbers of spermatozoa. with high red fluorescence also increased after SU: p less than 0.05 (for semen from bulls aged 3 years), p less than 0.001 (5 years), p less than 0.001 (7 years), and p less than 0.001 when all age groups were combined. The proportion of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial activity as determined by Mitotracker Deep Red 633 correlated with sperm motility (p less than 0.01) both PT and after SU, but not with the fertility results. In conclusion, MitoTracker Deep Red 633 seems to be a reliable marker for frozen-thawed bovine semen viability both PT and after SU. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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40. |
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41. |
- Hallap, T, et al.
(författare)
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Usefulness of a triple fluorochrome combination Merocyanine 540/Yo-Pro 1/Hoechst 33342 in assessing membrane stability of viable frozen-thawed spermatozoa from Estonian Holstein Al bulls
- 2006
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 65:6, s. 1122-1136
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In a situation where technology allows for the simultaneous measurement of numerous parameters of a single sperm cell, it becomes crucial to choose those parameters which may be useful in estimating in vivo fertility. Sperm membrane destabilization is believed to occur during chilling of semen, although its effect on the post-thaw (PT) fertility of the spermatozoa has not yet been fully assessed. For this reason, we tested a new combination of fluorophores, Merocyanine 540 (M540)/Yo-Pro 1/Hoechst 33342 (H33342), to detect sperm plasma membrane destabilization in bull spermatozoa conventionally processed for artificial insemination (AI). The samples were tested by flow cytometry (FC), both immediately PT and following an in vitro swimup (SU) technique, and results were thereafter compared with conventional sperm quality Measurements (of concentration, motility, morphology, and membrane integrity), including in vivo fertility. Semen samples from six Estonian Holstein (EHF) AI bulls, frozen when the sires were aged 3, 5, and 7 years, allowed us to test the effect of bull age on quality of semen. Plasma membrane stability correlated to motility, normal head morphology (p less than 0.05), and membrane integrity (p less than 0.01). Following the SU selection, motility, membrane integrity (p less than 0.001). and membrane instability increased (p less than 0.01), as did stability (p less than 0.05). Bull age did not influence the degree of sperm membrane destabilization, except for the 3-year sample versus 7-year sample, in which the proportion of spermatozoa with destabilized plasma lemma increased PT (p less than 0.05) without affecting membrane integrity. Only parameters measured after SU, such as proportion of total motile and linearly motile spermatozoa, assessed with computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) (p less than 0.01), average path velocity (VAP) (p less than 0.001), and percentage of spermatozoa with unstable plasma lemma (p less than 0.05), had a significant relationship with non-return rate (NRR). The results indicate that it triple combination of the fluorophores M540/-Pro 1/H33342 is suitable for monitoring the status of membrane stability in frozen-thawed (FT) bull spermatozoa. As well, a SU preselection method seems helpful in distinguishing relationships between sperm quality and fertility among bulls in it homogenous sire population.(c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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42. |
- Hessle, Anna
(författare)
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Automated activity monitoring and visual observation of estrus in a herd of loose housed Hereford cattle: Diagnostic accuracy and time to ovulation
- 2017
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 87, s. 205-211
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A prospective cohort study was performed in the purebred Hereford herd at Gotala Beef and Lamb Research Centre, Sweden. The study's first objective was to assess the ability of an automatic activity monitoring system (AAMS) to detect estrus in beef suckler cows, and its second objective was to estimate the time from estrus to ovulation. The study sample (n = 38) consisted of 14 Hereford heifers and 24 Hereford cows. Standardized visual observation of estrus was performed for 20 minutes thrice daily, and animal activity was recorded with an AAMS system, Heatime (SCR Engineers Ltd., Israel). Cows in estrus underwent transrectal ultrasonography every 8 hours, to estimate the time of ovulation. Blood samples for progesterone analysis were collected thrice weekly throughout the study period. A cutoff value of 1-ng progesterone/mL of serum was used to define luteal activity. The AAMS had a 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 77%-97%) sensitivity and 100% specificity (95% CI 94%-100%), and visual detection of estrus had a 77% sensitivity (95% CI 62%-88%) and a 89% specificity (95% CI 79%-95%) for identifying estrus when compared to the gold standard defined by temporal pattern of serum progesterone concentration. When both methods were used in parallel, the sensitivity increased to 96% (95% CI 86%-99%), and the specificity increased to 90% (95% CI 80%-96%). The time of ovulation after estrus was determined on 50 occasions. The median estrus (AAMS detected) to ovulation interval was 25 hours for heifers and 23 hours for cows (interquartile range 11-29 hours and 19-25 hours, respectively). The median estrus (visually detected) to ovulation interval was 28 hours for heifers and 21 hours for cows (interquartile range 13-29 hours for both categories). In conclusion, the AAMS had both a higher sensitivity and specificity for estrus detection than thrice-daily visual observation. The time from detection of estrus to ovulation observed in this study indicates that reproductive performance might be improved if Hereford cattle are inseminated sooner after detection of estrus than is currently recommended. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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43. |
- Hoflack, G., et al.
(författare)
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Testicular dysfunction is responsible for low sperm quality in Belgian Blue bulls
- 2008
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 69:3, s. 323-332
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In a previous study, we demonstrated that Belgian Blue (BB) bulls have a higher prevalence of small scrota and poorer semen morphology compared to the Holstein Friesian (HF) breed in Belgium. The present study tested the hypothesis that the underlying reason for these BB traits negative to fertility was testicular degeneration, associated with an eventual hypoplastic background. At culling, sperm quality and testicular histology of BB bulls were assessed and compared to that of HF bulls. Besides semen quality being generally poorer in the BB breed, significantly more degenerative changes were encountered in BB compared to HF testicles (degeneration index: 37.7 +/- 11.9 versus 29.3 +/- 9.9 for BB and HF bulls, respectively; P = 0.053). These results correlated to the percentage of normal spermatozoa (r = -0.44; P = 0.024) and primary abnormalities (r = 0.38; P = 0.053). Moreover, the relative amount of collagen fibers present in the testicular interstitial connective tissue was correlated with % normal sperm (r = -0.47; P = 0.017), primary defects (0.48; P = 0.014), and the degeneration results (r = 0.63; P less than 0.001). The % testicular interstitial collagen fibers differed significantly between breeds (10.6 +/- 4.0% for the BB versus 7.6 +/- 1.9% for the HF bulls; P = 0.016). This increased amount of connective tissue in BB testes might hypothetically be responsible for the poorer sperm quality. This condition can be defined as a mild form of testicular hypoplasia, and might, in turn, be responsible for the higher sensitivity to testicular degeneration, which is encountered in the BB breed. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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44. |
- Humblot, Patrice
(författare)
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Antral follicle count, oocyte production and embryonic developmental competence of senescent Nellore (Bos indicus) cows
- 2021
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 174, s. 27-35
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Information on the follicular population and oocyte quality of cows in the final period of reproductive life is scarce. The present study aimed to compare the antral follicle count (AFC), oocyte production and embryonic developmental competence of young versus long-lived and senescent Bos indicus beef cows. Nellore cows (Bos indicus) were classified into three groups according to age: young (4-9 years, n = 10), long-lived (14-17 years, n = 10) and senescent (17-23 years, n = 10). At a random time in the estrus cycle, the cows received cloprostenol sodium salt (0.5 mg, IM), estradiol benzoate (1 mg, IM) and an intravaginal P4 device (1.4 g). Five days later, the P4 devise was removed and oocyte collection (OPU1) was performed. A second OPU (OPU2) was performed 5 days after the first in order to aspirate only growing follicles. During each OPU, AFC and the number and quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were evaluated. Then, the COCs were placed in standard maturation medium (IVM), fertilized and incubated for 9 days. The data were subjected to ANOVA and Multinomial Logistic Regression. The AFC was smaller in long-lived and senescent cows in both OPU1 and OPU2 when compared to younger cows. There was no difference in AFC between OPU1 (19.9 +/- 1.8) and OPU2 (17.6 +/- 1.9) in young cows, however, more follicles were punctured in long-lived and senescent cows in OPU1 (12.0 +/- 2.6 and 19.3 +/- 4.6) than in OPU2 (9.2 +/- 1.9 and 10.3 +/- 2.3), respectively (P < 0.01). The numbers of COCs recovered from young cows (OPU1 = 14.2 +/- 1.8; OPU2 = 8.4 +/- 0.9) were higher than those obtained from long-lived cows (OPU1 = 5.9 +/- 2.3; OPU2 = 4.3 +/- 1.0) and senescent cows (OPU1 = 7.2 +/- 3.0; OPU2 = 4.1 +/- 1.7), respectively (P < 0.05). The cleavage rate did not differ between groups. However, the rate of blastocyst formation was higher for young (64.8%) and long-lived (65.0%) compared to senescent (16.5%) cows (P 0.01). In conclusion our results indicate that the AFC is lower in long-lived and senescent cows compared with young cows. However, unlike in senescent cows, the embryonic development of long-lived cows is similar to that of young cows. This suggests that Nellore cows aged 17 years begin to have reduced embryonic development capacity due to ovarian aging. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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45. |
- Humblot, Patrice
(författare)
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Effects of embryo size at transfer (whole versus demi) and early pregnancy progesterone supplementation on embryo growth and pregnancy-specific protein bovine concentrations in recipient dairy heifers
- 2011
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 76, s. 522-531
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objectives of this study were to evaluate embryonic size and survival, plasma progesterone (P4) and pregnancy-specific protein bovine (PSPB) concentrations in early pregnancies (n = 99) following the transfer of one whole (n = 66) or one demi (n = 33) embryo to recipient virgin dairy heifers. The experiment was designed to evaluate the fixed effects of embryo size at transfer (whole or demi embryo) on Day 7 of the estrous cycle (Day 0 = estrus) and P4 supplementation between Days 7 to 19 through an intravaginal device (yes or no) on plasma P4 and PSPB concentrations and on embryo measurements. Plasma P4 concentrations were measured by RIA on Days 0, 7, 14, 19, 21, 25, 35, 42, 49, 56 and 63 of pregnancy and, PSPB concentrations were measured by ELISA on Days 7, 21, 25, 35, 42, 49, 56 and 63. The presence of an embryonic vesicle was detected on Day 25, embryonic/fetal movements and heartbeat were evaluated on Days 42 and 63 and embryo measurements [crown-rump length (CRL) and width at mid body] were obtained on Day 42 through ultrasonography.In non-supplemented pregnancies, Day 42 whole embryos had higher (P < 0.05) CRL and width than demi embryos, but the difference averaged only 1 to 2 mm. In P4 supplemented pregnancies, whole and demi embryos attained a similar size on Day 42 of pregnancy. Embryo size at transfer, early exogenous P4 supplementation and their interactions had no effects (P > 0.05) on plasma P4 concentrations. However, the post-hoc LSD evaluation showed that plasma P4 concentrations on Day 25 were higher (P < 0.001) in whole than in demi embryo derived pregnancies and, that exogenous P4 supplementation increased (P < 0.05) plasma P4 concentrations on Day 19 of pregnancy. The plasma PSPB detection rate on Days 7 to 63 of pregnancy was similar in pregnancies resulting from the transfer of whole and demi embryos. From a total of 93 recipients remaining pregnant until Day 63, plasma PSPB was constantly undetectable on Day 7, was detected in 4% of Day 21 samples, 41% of Day 25, 95% of Day 35, 96% of Day 42, 99% of Day 49 and in 100% of samples of Days 56 and 63. Concentrations of PSPB increased (P < 0.05) from Days 21 to 42 and from Days 56 to 63, with a plateau between Days 42 to 56. Demi embryo pregnancies had higher (P < 0.05) plasma PSPB concentrations on Days 35 and 42 than whole embryo pregnancies. Progesterone supplementation had a positive effect (P < 0.01) on PSPB concentrations from Days 35 to 63. Concentrations of PSPB were similar in non-supplemented whole and demi embryo pregnancies from Days 7 to Day 63. In contrast, in supplemented recipients, demi embryo pregnancies had higher (P < 0.05) PSPB concentrations on Days 25 to 42 than whole embryo pregnancies. No significant correlation was found between P4 and PSPB concentrations or between the concentrations of these hormones and embryonic measurements on Day 42. In conclusion, demi embryos experienced a compensatory growth until Day 42 of pregnancy, attaining a similar size to that of whole embryos and originating conceptuses producing similar plasma PSPB concentrations to those of whole embryo derived conceptuses. Embryonic growth and conceptus secretion of PSPB were positively stimulated by early pregnancy exogenous P4 treatment. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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46. |
- Humblot, Patrice
(författare)
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Oocyte and embryo production and quality after OPU-IVF in dairy heifers given diets varying in their n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio
- 2012
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 78, s. 632-645
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dietary fat supplementation can improve oocyte quality in ruminants. The influence of the type of dietary fat on the number and quality of oocytes collected by ovum pick-up and on the production of embryos in vitro was investigated in Holstein heifers. Heifers were given hay plus one of two dietary supplements for 42 days. The supplements were linseed (L, rich in linolenic acid, C18:3n-3, n = 9) or soya bean (S, rich in linoleic acid, C18:2n-6, n = 9). Oocytes were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU) for 6 wks (2 sessions/wk) and morphologic quality assessed. Half the oocytes were frozen and the other half was used to produce embryos. Blood samples were analyzed for: insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, B-hydroxy butyrate and urea and the proportions of fatty acids. Neither growth rate nor plasma hormone and metabolite concentrations were affected by dietary supplement. However, L significantly increased the proportion of plasma C18:3n-3 while S significantly increased the proportion of C18:2n-6(P < 0.001). Neither oocyte characteristics (number, their quality and number fertilized and cleaved per heifer per session) nor embryo characteristics (number and quality per heifer per session) and embryo development stages were affected by dietary treatment. Real-time RT-PCR was performed on immature and mature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC). Prostaglandin E synthase-1 expression increased in L compared to S heifers. In conclusion, the type of fatty acid did not modify the numbers of oocytes and embryos produced by OPU-IVF and their quality in dairy heifers. Upregulation of prostaglandin E synthase-1 may ensure sufficient POE, production for oocyte maturation even when its precursor is low. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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47. |
- Humblot, Patrice
(författare)
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Reproductive performance of Bos indicus beef cows treated with different doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin at the end of a progesterone-estrogen based protocol for fixed-time artificial insemination
- 2018
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 118, s. 150-156
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Two experiments were performed to evaluate the reproductive performance of zebu beef cows treated with different doses of eCG at the end of a progesterone (P4)/estrogen based protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI). In Experiment 1, suckling Bos indicus Nelore cows (n = 261) received, on day 0, a progesterone (P4) intravaginal device (PD) and an injection of 1 mg estradiol benzoate (EB). On day 8, the PD was removed, 500 pig of cloprostenol was injected, and cows were assigned to one of the following groups: Control (no treatment), 300 (300 IU of eCG), 600 (600 IU of eCG), and 900 (900 IU of eCG). On day 9, all cows received 1 mg EB and TAI performed 54-56 h after cloprostenol injection. A pregnancy diagnosis was done by ultrasound scanning 40 days after TAI, and the number of fetuses and calves was recorded at pregnancy diagnosis and at birth. More cows treated with eCG displayed estrus within 48 h after removal of the PD (42.3% vs. 11.6%, P < 0.01), and ovulated more than one follicle (42%, 58/138 vs. 1.8%, 1/54; P < 0.01). This effect on ovulation rate was dose dependent (P < 0.05). The pregnancy rate was affected only by cow parity (primiparous, 25.3% vs. multiparous, 48.9%; P < 0.01). Twin pregnancy was higher (P < 0.01) in cows treated with eCG (42%, 58/138) than controls (0%, 0/54). However, few cows (33.3%) were able to keep both fetuses intact until birth. For evaluation of ovarian characteristics by B mode and Doppler ultrasonography, 43 Nelore cows were submitted In Experiment 2 to the same four groups described in Experiment 1. Although no difference (P > 0.1) was observed for size and blood perfusion in the pre-ovulatory follicles, corpus luteum was larger and with greater blood perfusion (P <0.05) in eCG-treated cows. In conclusion, eCG increased the number of double/multiple ovulations in a dose-dependent manner, induced larger and more vascularized corpora lutea, but did not affect the fertility of cyclic or anestrous cows. Although eCG results in twin pregnancies, most of cows underwet embryo/fetus loss and birth a single calf. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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48. |
- Januskauskas, A, et al.
(författare)
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Assessment of the efficacy of Sephadex G-15 filtration of bovine spermatozoa for cryopreservation
- 2005
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 63:1, s. 160-178
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Semen from five dairy AI bulls was split-filtered through a Sephadex G-15 filter and frozen in a Triscitric acid buffer egg yolk-based extender. The effect of filtration was studied morphologically for individual sperm abnormalities. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used for motility and sperm motion assessment. Flow cytometry was used to disclose sperm viability (SYBR- 14/PI), mitochondrial membrane potential (Mitotracker Deep Red/SYBR 14), acrosome integrity (SYBR 14/PE-PNA/PI), plasma membrane stability (Merocyanine 540/YO-PRO 1/Hoechst 333342), and chromatin stability (acridine orange staining). Filtration significantly reduced the concentration of recovered spermatozoa (P less than 0.01), but improved semen quality, reducing the number of spermatozoa with various forms of morphological defects. Filtration also affected percentages of sperm motility after equilibration and after freezing/thawing. Sperm motion characteristics were, however, not significantly affected by filtration at any stage of the cryopreservation protocol, including post-extension, equilibration, or freezing/thawing. Filtration enhanced sperm viability after thawing (P less than 0.05), but had no significant effect (P greater than 0.05) on recovery of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial potential, intact acrosomes, or preserved sperm chromatin structure. Sperm plasma membrane stability was also not affected by the filtration method used (P greater than 0.05). It can be concluded that filtration effectively separates weaken or abnormal spermatozoa in pre-freezing semen samples and therefore the procedure could be recommended to improve post-thaw sperm viability of selected, fertile sires. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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49. |
- Jitpean, Supranee, et al.
(författare)
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Serum insulin-like growth factor-I, iron, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A for prediction of outcome in dogs with pyometra
- 2014
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Ingår i: Theriogenology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0093-691X .- 1879-3231. ; 82, s. 43-48
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pyometra, accumulation of pus in the uterus, is a bacterial infection that frequently initiates systemic inflammation. The disease may have lethal consequences when the systemic effects are severe or complications occur. Markers for identifying high-risk patients and predicting outcome are therefore in high demand. The objective of this study was to measure serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), iron, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in bitches with pyometra and to explore the possible value of these variables for detection of increased morbidity. In total, 31 bitches were diagnosed with pyometra and destined for surgical treatment (ovariohysterectomy) and 17 healthy bitches were included in the study. Concentrations of IGF-I and iron were lower in the pyometra group (mean concentration 221.2 +/- 22.5 ng/mL and 16.9 +/- 1.6 mu mol/L, respectively) compared with the healthy control group (mean concentration 366.7 +/- 46.2 ng/mL and 38.1 +/- 2.7 mu mol/L, respectively). In contrast, concentrations of CRP and SAA were significantly higher in bitches with pyometra (mean concentrations 212.9 +/- 17.3 mg/L and 119.9 +/- 8.5 mg/L, respectively) compared with the control group (<5 mg/L and <10 mg/L, respectively). None of the explored variables were associated with morbidity as measured by duration of postoperative hospitalization. In conclusion, IGF-I and iron concentrations were decreased in pyometra, whereas SAA and CRP concentrations were increased in the disease. Although unspecific, measurement of these variables may be valuable as adjunctive markers for prognosis in cases of pyometra. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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50. |
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